Kevin Cuneo: Doug Moorhead receives big honor

When Presque Isle Wine Cellars owner Doug Moorhead recently received the lifetime achievement award at the Eastern Winery Exposition in Lancaster, it showed how far the wine industry in this region has advanced. Moorhead, a pioneer Pennsylvania winemaker, successfully lobbied the state in 1968 to pass the Limited Winery Act, which allowed wineries to sell directly to consumers. Moorhead, the son of an Erie County grape grower, discovered riesling wines during a hitch with the U.S. Army in Germany. When he returned home, he and Bill Konnerth organized a local wine club. They began buying winemaking equipment and supplies from Europe for themselves and members of the club. Eventually, he opened Presque Isle Wine Cellars in 1970, and has been a tireless promoter of the industry in this region. Erie County wines are much improved, with a growing reputation across the region, and pioneers like Moorhead are being recognized for their good work. Congratulations to Doug and his family. ... Today marks the deadline to file your federal income tax forms, but don't expect any brass brands to play at the post office, as in years past. In fact, few post offices stay open late on tax day anymore. ... I'm glad to hear that good friend Betty Peebles is up and around and planning to take in a few Erie SeaWolves games once the weather warms. Betty took a nasty fall just before Christmas, developed pneumonia and spent weeks recovering in the hospital. That's serious stuff when you're 99, as Betty is, but her spirits, as usual, remain upbeat. ... Presque Isle Downs & Casino has been having good luck attracting crowds that turn out to see touring performers, and a Ray Charles tribute show is scheduled Saturday in the clubhouse. Later in the summer, Chubby Checker will also appear at the casino.

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What fun it was to watch Erie's Adam Holquist on "Jeopardy" in recent days. The 33-year-old environmental engineer with the state Department of Environmental Protection played the game like a master, winning more than $76,000 during the first three days. He dispatched his opponents with aplomb, correctly answering questions on a multitude of topics. I've often thought it would be fun to be a contestant on "Jeopardy," but not if I had to face a fact machine like Holquist. ... "The Dead Files," a show about paranormal activity on the Travel Channel, has taken a big interest in this region. Desma Simon, the show's producer, filmed an episode featuring Cambridge Springs' Riverside Inn, and a crew was set to return Saturday to film at the Blasco Library. ... Len Kubiak, a great Erie high school quarterback who was recruited by Bear Bryant when he was head coach at Kentucky, died April 6 in Pittsburgh. Kubiak, 85, served for years as principal at Peabody High School. ... General McLane High School won't find it easy to fill the shoes of retiring basketball coach Andy Schulz, who for years ranked as one of the best coaches in the region. ... Don't miss the final day today of the "Celebrating the Possibilities" art show at the Barber National Institute. Nearly 470 pieces of art from more than 400 artists are featured in the excellent show, which started Thursday. Admission is free, but the show concludes at 6 p.m. ... While you're at the art show, be sure to check out the "Field of Dreams" quilt, which presents so many inspiring images of people at the center on a spectacular quilt. ... Speaking of art, the new Red Barn Gallery is set to open May 4 at the Conneaut Lake Bark Park on Foust Road. The bark park is worth the drive.